Masayo Ishigure - The Sawai Koto Academy in New York City

Masayo Ishigure plays the Japanese koto in traditional and modern styles .She began playing the koto and jiuta shamisen at the age of five in Gifu, Japan. In 1986 she became a special research student at the Sawai Koto Academy of Music, ultimately joining a small group of virtuoso disciples of Tadao and Kazue Sawai. In 1988 Ms. Ishigure received a degree in Japanese Traditional Music at Takasaki Junior Arts College with a concentration on koto and shamisen. Masayo Ishigure now performs at private events, festivals, concert venues, and on CDs and television. For more information click here

Yoko Hiraoka - Colorado

Yoko Hiraoka plays and sings the evocative classical music of Japan. Spanning 400 years and inspired by Nature and Romance, this music of sung poems, solo instrumental, and ensemble playing is a pinnacle of cultural refinement in Japan.

Ms. Hiraoka has taught world music ensemble at the University of Colorado and currently teaches students at Naropa University in Boulder. Her repertoire includes contemporary compositions and improvisations with Western instrumentalists.

SHAMISEN CAMPS

KOTO CAMPS

All camps are limited to a maximum of 5 students. Accomodation information, including area hotels and private bed and breakfast possibilities is available upon request. Camp takes place at the delightful home of Yoko Hiraoka, one hour from Denver International Airport.